How to Store Kiln Dried Logs

Kiln dried logs are brilliantly efficient on your wood burning stoves and are a great way to heat your home with a low environmental impact, but they do need to be stored properly. This article explains exactly how to store kiln dried logs.

Especially because it’s often much cheaper to buy large loose loads of logs less frequently than individual nets more often.

If you store firewood incorrectly, it might take on too much moisture. Wet wood is the enemy and does not burn efficiently which is why we created kiln dried firewood in the first place.

You can store kiln dried logs outdoors or indoors in the right way and this handy guide gives practical advice on how to store logs outside.

Store kiln dried logs outdoors

Firewood stored outside may absorb moisture either from direct contact with rain or the water in the air, so your logs should always be in a dry well-ventilated dedicated log store.

It is critical to protect your logs from elements like rain and snow and encourage air flow. To achieve this, stack firewood in a crisscross pattern.

A slanted roof on your store is essential for directing falling rain away and a raised floor is important for keeping your logs up off the wet ground. Logs can absorb water from the ground if they are in contact with it.

If possible, try to site your store in the lee of a building. This means, on the least windy side. That way, when it rains the wind is less likely to drive too much rain horizontally into the store.

However, log stores want to remain open to ensure good airflow. If you know particularly bad weather is on the way, you can use a tarpaulin to seal the store shut for the duration of the storm but remember to open it up again once nice weather returns.

Store Your Logs in a Crisscross Pattern

This photo shows logs stored in a stack so there is plenty of air flow and the logs are unlikely to trap moisture between them.

 

It’s not always possible to store kiln dried logs in a stack (as above) simply because not many of us have enough space.

Logs can be stored in a more compact way as in this photo. They are protected from the weather by the simple storage structure and are kept off the ground.

These dry logs will stay relatively dry for a long time if stored like this. Try and avoid tree cover if possible because trees are very good at trapping moisture in the air between the ground and the canopy but they also drip rain long after the storm has passed.

If you store logs outside, the covering has to allow free air to pass through. If you just cover the logs with a polyethylene sheet, it acts as a steam room, the humidity grows under the sheet then rehydrates the logs, this could well lead to mould growing on the logs, and the wood logs may become smelly.

Rotate your logs, if you are air drying your logs, keep your newest wood at the bottom of the pile and your oldest wood at the top. This ensures that your wood will have time to dry if it needs to and is especially helpful if you harvest or acquire your own wood.

Finally, it’s a very good idea to purchase a moisture meter. This way, you know what you are burning. It’s imperative to burn kiln dried logs, as they are guaranteed to have a water content below 18%. This is the optimum moisture level and will give you a good long and clean burn.

Choosing the Right Log Store

When it comes to storing kiln dried logs, a wood store is an essential investment. A well-designed wood store provides a dry, well-ventilated space to keep your logs, protecting them from the elements and maintaining their dryness. Here are some tips for choosing the right wood store:

Slatted Design

A log store with a slatted sides to allow for optimal airflow, which helps to keep the logs dry. Proper ventilation is crucial in preventing moisture buildup and ensuring your logs remain in prime condition.

Roof or Cover is Essential

To protect your logs from rain and snow, choose a wood store with a roof or cover. This will shield the logs from direct exposure to the elements, keeping them dry and ready for use.

Elevate Off the Ground

Ensure your log store is elevated off the ground. This prevents water from the ground from seeping into the logs, which can compromise their dryness and quality.

Size Matters

Consider the amount of logs you need to store and choose a wood store that is appropriately sized. A log store that is too small won’t accommodate your needs, while one that is too large may take up unnecessary space.

Durable Materials

Look for a wood store made from durable materials such as wood or metal. These materials can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection for your logs.

By selecting the right wood store, you can ensure your kiln dried logs remain dry and ready for use whenever you need them.

Choose a Protected Location

Select a location that is shielded from direct sunlight and water. A covered area or a spot under a tree can provide natural protection from the elements.

By following these tips, you can effectively store your kiln dried logs outside, ensuring they remain dry and ready for use.

Storing Kiln Dried Wood Inside

Storing kiln dried wood indoors might seem like a perfect solution – it’s dry, convenient, and avoids exposure to the elements. However, it’s not a “get out of jail free card.” Indoor storage has its own challenges, and improper storage can still reduce the benefits of buying kiln dried logs in the first place.

Why Logs Can Absorb Water Indoors

Even indoors, humidity levels can be surprisingly high. Everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, and washing release steam and vapour into the air. This can create a humid environment, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and poorly ventilated spaces. Kiln dried logs, with their low water content, can readily absorb this ambient water vapour, compromising their efficiency and performance when burned.

If logs absorb too much water indoors, you could end up with wet wood that’s harder to light, smokes excessively, and reduces the clean-burning benefits of kiln dried firewood.

Tips for Storing Wood Indoors

To prevent your kiln dried logs from absorbing indoor water vapour, follow these practical storage tips:

• Choose a Well-Ventilated Area
  Avoid storing logs in damp or poorly ventilated rooms like basements or bathrooms. Opt for a dry, airy space with good airflow to prevent moisture build-up.
• Use a Log Holder or Rack
  Keep your logs off the ground by using a dedicated log holder or rack. This ensures air can circulate around the logs and prevents contact with potentially damp floors.
• Avoid Storing Near Heat Sources
  Placing logs near radiators, ovens, or other heat sources might seem like a good way to keep them dry, but the heat can actually draw out water unevenly and lead to cracks or splinters in the wood.
• Keep Away from Kitchens or Bathrooms
  These areas tend to have higher levels of humidity due to cooking and cleaning activities. Storing logs here can make them susceptible to water absorption.
• Keep Logs in Small Quantities Indoors
  Only bring in the amount of wood you expect to use in a few days. Replenish your indoor supply from your outdoor log store as needed.
• Monitor Indoor Humidity
  Use a hygrometer to keep track of indoor humidity levels. Ideally, the relative humidity in the storage area should stay below 60% to prevent the logs from reabsorbing water.
• Use a Cover for Decoration and Protection
  If you’re storing logs in a visible area as part of your interior decor, consider using a breathable fabric cover. This keeps dust off while allowing air circulation.

Monitoring for Peace of Mind

To ensure your wood is ready to burn efficiently, invest in a moisture meter. This device can measure the water content of your logs so you can be sure they’re still below the 18% threshold for optimal burning.

By taking these precautions, you can keep kiln dried logs indoors without losing the benefits of their efficient, clean burn – keeping your home warm and your wood stove running at peak performance.

Space-Saving Solutions

If you have limited space, there are still ways to keep your kiln dried logs effectively. Here are some space-saving solutions:

• Wall-Mounted Log Rack or Hanging Log Basket: Consider using a wall-mounted log store or a hanging basket to keep your logs off the ground and out of the way. These options maximize vertical space.
• Compact Log Store or Small Log Basket: Use a compact log store or a small basket to keep a smaller amount of logs. These options are perfect for limited spaces and can be easily placed in a corner or under a shelf.
• Log Storage Rack or Log Holder: A log storage rack or log holder can help keep your logs organized and off the ground. These options are versatile and can be placed indoors or outdoors, depending on your space constraints.
• Small Footprint Log Stores or Baskets: Look for log stores or log baskets with a small footprint to save space. These options are designed to be space-efficient while still providing adequate storage for your logs.

By implementing these space-saving solutions, you can effectively keep your kiln dried logs even in limited spaces, ensuring they remain dry and ready for use.

For more information on wood as fuel and the environmental impact of burning wood to heat your home, please visit the Wood Sure website.  They also publish a very good guide on storing wood indoors and out.